Thursday, September 9th, 2021
Lester Huelskamp
Lester B. Huelskamp, 98, of Coldwater, Ohio, formerly of St. Joe, passed away on September 7, 2021 at his home.
He was born May 27, 1923, in St. Joe, to the late Henry and Eleanora (Nieberding) Huelskamp.
In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mildred "Millie" Cecelia Huelskamp, who passed away on July 16, 2021; his siblings, Linus (Juletta) Huelskamp, Leroy (Betty) Huelskamp, and Don Huelskamp; and his in-laws, Thelma (Hugo) Meyer, Edward Watercutter, Robert Watercutter, James (Theda) Watercutter, and Donald Watercutter.
Lester was a 1942 graduate of Fort Recovery High School. Shortly after school, Lester was drafted into the United States Navy, where he served his country honorably during World War II. He served as a Radarman onboard the U.S.S Lake Champlain. His service to his country did not go unnoticed. Since Lester was the last surviving WWII veteran in Fort Recovery, he was given the grand honor of lighting the monument in Fort Recovery for the first time in May of 2021. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 345 and the VFW Post 6515.
Lester worked for Matt Schwieterman and Henry Timmerman as a dozer operator for over 50 years and was well respected by many local farmers. Lester was a devout catholic and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He volunteered over 50 years as a member of the church choir. Lester was a member of the Catholic Knights of America.
Despite his age, Lester was an active man. He enjoyed walking and developed a passion of walking each week in Baker Woods outside of Coldwater. Since his 89th birthday, Lester has walked over 2500 miles through Baker Woods. He contributed his healthy life to his time spent in the woods. In his free time, Lester enjoyed partaking in bowling leagues, card groups, and going to auctions. Most of all, Lester never knew a stranger. His positive outlook on life and social personality will be missed by all.
Lester is survived by his children, Kenneth (Constance) Huelskamp of Fort Recovery, Sharon (Robert) Link of Fort Recovery, Dale Huelskamp of Fort Recovery, Diane (Bruce) Ontrop of McCartyville, and Janet (Bill) Knapke of Fort Recovery; his 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; his sister, Bernice (Tom) Barhorst of McCartyville; and his in-laws, Roger (Ella Mae) Watercutter of Fort Wayne, and Marlene (Maurice) Brunswick of Celina.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Monday, September 13, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1689 St. Joe Road, Fort Recovery, Ohio 45846. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in St. Joe Cemetery. Guests may visit with Lester's family on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM and again on Monday from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.
Memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio, or the Cancer Association of Mercer County, P.O. Box 624, Celina, Ohio 45822.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.
